LMPD credits community effort, 'tough enforcement' for 21% decrease in homicides in 2025

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- As 2025 comes to a close, Louisville is ending the year with homicides down 21% across the city, according to police data.

One of those is the Russell neighborhood, just outside downtown Louisville. It's seen one of the largest decreases in homicides from 20 last year to 12 so far this year.

Those who live in the neighborhood said they've noticed the change.

"I most definitely have seen a decrease in crime in the Russell neighborhood," said Kortnei Jackson.

Jackson lives in Russell with her three kids and said in years past, she's been cautious about letting them go outside.

"I was real adamant, not letting my kids go out around certain areas and was real strict about getting to and from when it came to day care and stuff like that," she said.

In 2024, LMPD data shows Louisville had 137 homicides. With only three weeks left of 2025, the city has seen 108 — a 21% decrease from last year.

LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey credits the decline to good police work.

"We're talking about increased traffic stops, increased business checks, increased community contacts where officers are going out there, they're doing the tough enforcement work," Humphrey said.

In addition to the Russell neighborhood, LMPD's Gun Violence Dashboard shows the Park Hill neighborhood has also seen a sharp decrease in homicides. Both neighborhoods have eight less homicides this year compared to last.

"I think the police putting their foot down has did a lot, and I don't want to see anyone messing with the police, as I'm sure other people don't want to see people messing with the police," Jackson said.

Humphrey said while the department is proud of the decrease, this year's homicide victims aren't just numbers on a screen.

"Those are individuals that lost their lives," he said. "Those are individual families that are hurting, and we are dedicating everything that we can to make sure that we bring justice even though we know that doesn't always bring closure."

Jackson said she's optimistic the numbers will stay down.

"As long as people can come out here and find more productive stuff to do, then I think everything will be perfectly fine," she said.

Humphrey also credits the decreased number of homicides to community members saying something when they see something.

19-year-old Kentucky State University student identified as victim of fatal shooting

1 dead, another in critical condition after shooting on Kentucky State University campus

Woman accused of leaving son's body in suitcase in Indiana to stand trial in Louisville

40-year-old Jefferson County abduction case solved after woman found alive in another state